StemSave Blog

The Hospital for Special Surgery has been awarded an $800,000 grant to conduct a Phase II clinical trial utilizing autologous (the patient’s own) stem cells to help mend rotator cuff tears. This sizable grant will be used to treat one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions, particularly in athletes. Surgical repair for rotator cuff tears leave patients with resilient discomfort and pain, and many patients re-tear the muscle and are unable to return to full capacity. Stem cells can ameliorate the treatment process by facilitating recovery. The trial will investigate the efficacy of stem cells in skeletal muscle and tendon tissue regeneration, as well as the reduction of inflammation.

Researchers at the University of Texas have discovered a potential stem cell treatment for burn victims. After researchers analyzed tissue samples from severe burns, they observed ‘satellite cells’ that activated apoptosis [cell death] but, also activated stem cells that stimulated muscle regeneration. Such advances in the understanding of how stem cells interact with their environment will accelerate stem cell treatments for burn patients.